ch35 older adults(NUR 448,
psych, exam 3) fully solved &
updated
Ageism
Ageism is any stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against the older
adult or, in fact, any age group. Ageism can be systemic, organizational,
and interpersonal discrimination.
Older Adults
Older adults currently number over 43 million in the U.S.; this number is
expected to reach 80 million by 2040
Life span at birth is age 81 for women and age 76 for men.
Americans over age 85 projected to be 14 million by 2040.
Demographic Imperative
The demographic goal is not just to increase the life span but the “health
span” of the older population
- Older adults will maintain full function and live active lives in their
homes and communities
Frailty is a common myth about the older population
- 95% of Americans over 65 live in the community; only 5% reside in long-
term care facilities
Psychologists have divided older adults into the following age categories:
Young-old: 65 to 74 years of age
Middle-old: 75 to 84 years of age
Old-old: 85 to 94 years of age
Elite-old: 94 years or older
DISORDERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Anxiety
Phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Depression
Mania
Somatic symptoms
, Schizophrenia
Alcoholism
Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults: Depression
Health care providers frequently misinterpret clinical depression in older
adults as a normal part of aging, especially if the older adult is
experiencing dementia or other physical illness.
Unlike dementia, depression is treatable with medication and other
interventions.
Memory loss and other intellectual impairments or asocial and agitated
behaviors are generally associated with dementia but may be caused
by depression.
Sometimes depression in older adults is expressed as physical symptoms
or negative behaviors.
uForgetfulness
uAgitation and combativeness
uConstant complaining
uIrritability
uChronic aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
uFatigue
uRumination
uEasily angered
uParanoia and suspiciousness
uApprehension and anxiety without any cause
uLow self-esteem (feelings of insignificance or pessimism)
Antidepressant and Psychotherapy
Avoidance of possible side effects vs. efficacy is a consideration.
“Start low, go slow.”
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a first-line medication with
few side effects and has low toxicity.
SSRIs may double the risk of bone fractures.
- SSRIs may actually shift the balance of bone turnover, causing thinning,
rather than strengthening, of bones. This could result in lower bone
mineral density and higher risk of fractures.
- Higher levels of serotonin prompted by the drug disrupt the ability of the
hypothalamus region of the brain to promote bone growth.
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be more suitable in the frail
older adult.
psych, exam 3) fully solved &
updated
Ageism
Ageism is any stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against the older
adult or, in fact, any age group. Ageism can be systemic, organizational,
and interpersonal discrimination.
Older Adults
Older adults currently number over 43 million in the U.S.; this number is
expected to reach 80 million by 2040
Life span at birth is age 81 for women and age 76 for men.
Americans over age 85 projected to be 14 million by 2040.
Demographic Imperative
The demographic goal is not just to increase the life span but the “health
span” of the older population
- Older adults will maintain full function and live active lives in their
homes and communities
Frailty is a common myth about the older population
- 95% of Americans over 65 live in the community; only 5% reside in long-
term care facilities
Psychologists have divided older adults into the following age categories:
Young-old: 65 to 74 years of age
Middle-old: 75 to 84 years of age
Old-old: 85 to 94 years of age
Elite-old: 94 years or older
DISORDERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Anxiety
Phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Depression
Mania
Somatic symptoms
, Schizophrenia
Alcoholism
Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults: Depression
Health care providers frequently misinterpret clinical depression in older
adults as a normal part of aging, especially if the older adult is
experiencing dementia or other physical illness.
Unlike dementia, depression is treatable with medication and other
interventions.
Memory loss and other intellectual impairments or asocial and agitated
behaviors are generally associated with dementia but may be caused
by depression.
Sometimes depression in older adults is expressed as physical symptoms
or negative behaviors.
uForgetfulness
uAgitation and combativeness
uConstant complaining
uIrritability
uChronic aches and pains that do not respond to treatment
uFatigue
uRumination
uEasily angered
uParanoia and suspiciousness
uApprehension and anxiety without any cause
uLow self-esteem (feelings of insignificance or pessimism)
Antidepressant and Psychotherapy
Avoidance of possible side effects vs. efficacy is a consideration.
“Start low, go slow.”
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a first-line medication with
few side effects and has low toxicity.
SSRIs may double the risk of bone fractures.
- SSRIs may actually shift the balance of bone turnover, causing thinning,
rather than strengthening, of bones. This could result in lower bone
mineral density and higher risk of fractures.
- Higher levels of serotonin prompted by the drug disrupt the ability of the
hypothalamus region of the brain to promote bone growth.
Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be more suitable in the frail
older adult.
